The World's Best 100 Detective Stories - Volume 8

This is the oldest inscription I've yet found - 1931.  I like how it says, "Presented to" instead of just "To".  Books that are tiny like this - it is only 7" x 5" big - remind why everyone use to call them "pocketbooks".

 

Inscription reads: "D.R. Shanebrook. April 19th, 1931. Presented By Flossie P. Virden"

Knit Together

Here's another book without it's dustcover. It just looks so sad. Fortunately, this book has a lovely inscription to Emily from her Grandma.

 

Inscription reads: "Emily, I kept thinking of you as I read this book! I think you'll love it! Love you, Grandma Sharon. 10/11/07"

Buy this Book New: Knit Together: Discover God's Pattern for Your Life

God Bless America

Part of the inscription for this books says, "always keep this book handy to read and reread!" I think it's funny that I found it in a thrift store four years after it was gifted.

I wonder what Matthew's relationship with his mom was like, because she traveled to Portland to see him graduate. Was it his high school graduation? College? Culinary school? Where was she living? She tells him to write often; that seems like such a strange thing to say in this day and age. Who actually spends time writing anymore unless it's an email? Was this Matthew's only gift from his mom on this incredibly important day in his life? It seems lacking in so many ways.

 

Inscription reads: "May 13, 2005. To Matthew - Always keep this book handy to read and reread! We are so happy we could fly to your special city - PORTLAND - see your lovely home and watch you graduate. Remember to write often. Love, Mom"

Father McBride's Teen Catechism

I felt like I had found a treasure when I discovered this book. It has three separate inscriptions, plus two bookmarks, a pamphlet on how to go to confession (which turned out to be a fascinating read, as I am not Catholic) and two Rite of Confirmation programs.

This book is inscribed to a "Zack" and the only "Zack" I could find in the program is a "Zack Duffy", who was a candidate for confirmation.

The bookmarks and the pamphlet were found on page 116, the start of Chapter 24, "My Soul Thirsts for the Living God".

The inscriptions read like they were wrote by teachers of Zack.

 

  

 

Inscription #1 reads: "Zack, Congrats on your confirmation! You have such a great attitude towards your faith and willingness to question. That's so healthy and I hope you continue to keep God in your life (I think He is more there than you recognize). Adam

Inscription #2 reads: Zack, You're such a great guy! The light of God definitely shines through you! We're happy to be a part of this big day! You made it! May you continue to stay close to God and continue to grow in your faith! God Bless, Marielee (spelling?)"

Inscription #3 reads: "Zack, I admire your willingness to question and ponder life - that is so important to healthy faith. You've got God in the right place and in time His presence will grow in your life. I'm glad I had a chance to get to know you! All the best to you! God's Peace, Lisa"

Edgar Allan Poe - Selected Stories and Poems

Sometimes certain books that I find make me feel like I've hit the jackpot. This is one of them.

With three separate inscriptions to three different people, this book has been around. I hope that the journey for this book is not over yet.

 

Inscription #1 reads: "To Mother - Merry Christmas (1967). Your loving daughter, Norma"

Inscription #2 reads: "To - Miss Grace Schaefer. In memory of her friend Ella Fuller. Nov. 1972"

Inscription #3 reads: "To - Lona Criswell Who Loves Peotry. August 27, 1975"

Gift From the Sea

This is just a wonderful inscription. The writer of the inscription told why she gifted this book and what it means to her. It really is a nice book; I plan on taking it with me to the beach to read it through all the way someday.

Inscription reads, "To Aunt Mary, This book was originally published in 1955 and has been re-released 50 years later as it still speaks to women of all ages. I have shared it with my mom and my friends. I hope you enjoy it too. Love, Jeanmarie Courtney 2006"

Buy this Book New: Gift from the Sea: 50th Anniversary Edition

One Day at a Time in Al-Anon

I really love all the writing in this book. It was used for it's intended purpose and it shows.

In addition to all the writing in this book (not really inscriptions, but interesting nonetheless), a twelve steps bookmark was between the March 8 and March 9 pages.

  

 

 

 

Writing in front cover:

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday - 8:30 161 & High St. AA/Alanon
Thursday - 8:30 St. Andrews AA/Alanon
Friday
Saturday
Sunday - Hash Marks - 10 of them

Laura - Hash Marks - 11 of them

LET GO, LET GOD

Writing on page 182, June 30 page, states, "6-30-94 HOPE".

On page 320, November 15 page, has a quote from Marcus Aurelius that says, "It is not men's acts which disturb us - but our reaction to them. Take these away, and anger goes. No wrong act of another can bring shame on you." Next to this quote is writing from the previous book owner that says, "No one can betray anyone else - they just fail to live up to your expectations!"